the time mispent, relieve my perplexities, strengthen my resolution, and enable me to do my duty with vigour and constancy; and when the fears and hopes, the pains and pleasures of this life shall have an end, receive me to everlasting happiness, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Transcribed, June 26, —68.
September 18, 1766, at Streatham.
I have this day completed my fifty-seventh year. O Lord,
for Jesus Christ's sake have mercy upon me.
Almighty and most merciful Father, who hast granted
me to prolong my life to another year, look down upon
me with pity. Let not my manifold sins and negligences
avert from me thy fatherly regard. Enlighten my mind
that I may know my duty; that I may perform it,
strengthen my resolution. Let not another year be lost
in vain deliberations; let me remember, that of the short
life of man, a great part is already past in sinfulness and
sloth. Deliver me, gracious Lord, from the bondage of
evil customs, and take not from me thy Holy Spirit; but
enable me so to spend my remaining days, that, by performing
thy will, I may promote thy glory: and grant
that after the troubles and disappointments of this mortal
state, I may obtain everlasting happiness, for the sake of
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Added,
The fourteenth S. after Tr.
The morning Collect.
The beginning of this (day) year.
Purposes.
To keep a journal. To begin this day.
To spend four hours every day in study, and as much
more as I can.
To read a portion of the Scriptures in Greek, every
Sunday.
To rise at eight.
